Analysts: Expect low-price LCD HDTVs

Holiday shoppers looking for a small LCD TV or larger plasma TV for Christmas should be able to find a wide variety of appealing deals on discounted TV models over the next several weeks.

Smaller LCD TV models may end up becoming the most popular consumer product sold this year, with manufacturers attempting to convince consumers to splurge as the economy recovers.

The largest TV models expected to be marketed this holiday shopping season will be 32-inch to 37-inch LCD TVs, with 32-inch models available for less than $400.

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“The difference from prior holiday discounts on TVs is that consumers will find really, really good prices on 32-inch to 37-inch HDTVs and not necessarily the 65-inch models,” TVpredictions.com publisher Philip Swann told CNNmoney.  “We’re already seeing 32-inch LCD models under $400.  Typically, they are 500, or more.”

Target plans to sell the Westinghouse 32-inch model for just $256, a significant cost-savings from TV prices 12 months ago.

Despite a wider variety of discounted LCD HDTVs, analysts are quick to point out that consumers should make the purchase immediately if a good price is found.  Since manufacturers are sending out smaller number of shipments, products are expected to sell out at a more rapid pace.

The lower cost of HDTVs may help increase Blu-ray sales, because well priced combination packages may sell well.  Expect brick and mortar retailers to launch last minute marketing campaigns to help expose consumers to the upcoming deals.